Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Cadence
As a child, wearing a poofy dress and having your make-up done was the closest you’d ever get to becoming a princess. But as an adult, it was as close as you could get to knowing what it felt like to be stabbed in the eye with a dull pencil.
Pretty freaking terrible.
But as I closed my computer at my desk and packed up my stuff, I was coming closer and closer to that reality.
Tonight, the city of Charleston was throwing a gala for the Lowcountry Orphan Charity. Of course, the event had a dress code—black tie—and only the most prestigious families would be welcome.
And somehow Elijah had convinced his family that I needed to be there with them.
Yay, me.
“I’m out, Rach. I’ll see you Monday,” I shouted to the cubical wall in front of me.
Rachel popped her head around the corner. “Have fun at the gala tonight. I hear it’s going to be the event of the season.”
Rachel was my work bestie and the person who kept me centered in the four walls of Powell Enterprises.
My job title was ‘Financial Analyst’, but I was treated as a glorified HR Specialist. I handled payroll and other new hire duties.
I spent my days staring at data and putting that finance degree to good use… not.
“Another reason for me not to go. I hate this stuff. Why can’t these rich families just donate the money without the big party? Seems like a waste to me.”
“Maybe you don’t understand the structure of the upper class, Ms. Copeland.”
My spine straightened as the deep voice of the finance director, aka my boss, Henry Trevino, rumbled behind me.
He had a reputation for being unapologetically strict with his employees and upholding impossible standards.
I thought I had stayed off his radar, but I didn’t like how he spat out my name.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Trevino. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I only meant they could donate the money spent on the party to the children in need instead of spending it on glasses of fancy champagne.”
Mr. Trevino lifted his chin, studying me with a raised eyebrow. “It seems I’ll be seeing you tonight at the gala. Until then, Ms. Copeland.”
As he walked away from my desk, Rachel mirrored my wide-eyed gaze. She mouthed the words “What the fuck?” as I lifted my shoulders.
I didn’t have time to worry about that right now. There was somewhere I needed to be.
I stood and grabbed my purse and work bag. “I’ll give you all the gory party details on Monday. Let’s get lunch at that sushi place you like.”
“Deal.”
I left the office quickly. I needed to meet Elijah’s sister and mother at a salon downtown, and I’d be late if I didn’t hurry.
Pushing the pedal to the metal, I drove as fast as I could through Charleston. My hydro-blue Jeep Wrangler made it easy to weave in and out of traffic.
My phone rang as I entered the city proper.
“Hey,” I said as I answered Jade’s FaceTime call.
“Ooo. You’re making a face.”
I rolled my eyes. “Am not. I’m just in a hurry.”
Jade pushed out her bottom lip. “Well, I won’t keep you. I only wanted to ask if you changed your mind about coming to The Whiskey House tonight.”
I sighed. “You know I would if I could. But I have this stupid gala. Elijah will probably insist I stay there all night. I’m sorry.”
“Ugh. I know, I know. I was just hoping. Rebel Rebellion doesn’t come here often, and I’ll be sad to go to the show without you.”
“Oh yeah? You’ve been to plenty without me already.”
“Yeah, but that was before. It’s our thing now!”
“Your argument is compelling. Unfortunately, I can’t get out of this one. You’ll have to do the impossible and go on without me.”
“Fine.”
“You know I’d rather be with you, anyway.”
“That’s not saying much. You’d rather be anywhere else. Literally, anywhere.”
We both laughed because she was right on the money. “I considered what horrible sickness I could come down with to get me out of this, but none seemed believable enough.”
“You’d have to be hospitalized for Elijah to let you out of this.”
“You got me there. Well, go have enough fun for the both of us. Lord knows I won’t be having any. Have you left already?”
Jade nodded. “I’m almost there. Since they aren’t headliners tonight, they play earlier.”
“Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to make it. This thing starts at seven.”
“Why would they start it so late?”
“Hmph. Who knows. You could come and ask them. I’ll get you in.”
Jade laughed. “No thanks. I don’t enjoy rubbing elbows with the elite.” She paused. “I’m pulling in.”
“Me too. Call me if you need me. Promise?”
“Yeah, yeah. Love you, sis.”
“Love you.”
Jade ended our call at the exact moment I pulled up to the salon. Surprisingly, there was a space right in front of the building. I wasn’t one to knock a gift horse in the mouth, but that was a rarity in Charleston.
“Finally, you’re here,” Elijah’s mom said as I walked through the door.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Powell. Traffic was worse than I thought it’d be.”
“If you plan to be on time, you’ll always be late. Next time, try to arrive early. At least then, when you are late, you’ll be on time.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my unnecessary comments to myself. Amelia Powell was the picture of perfection. She had the perfect family, the perfect house, and the perfect appearance. Not a single hair on her head dared to be out of place. “Yes, ma’am.”
I often wondered how it felt to grow up the way Elijah had. A part of me couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He had always been held to that standard of flawlessness, an impossible feat. It was no wonder he had issues.
“Come sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I followed orders and sat. Elijah’s sister, Grace, was in the corner, scrolling on her phone with a smirk. Neither of them offered me a warm greeting.
Before I knew it, the stylist had twisted my hair into a beautiful chignon and turned my face into one meant for the cover of a magazine. She kept my make-up light, at my request, but the neutral colors she’d chosen complimented my skin and gave me a natural glow.
I touched the soft curls pinned at the nape of my neck, my amber eyes popping more than usual. I didn’t look like myself, but I felt beautiful.
A spark of anticipation ran through my veins. Maybe the event wouldn’t be so bad. I’d get to see Elijah all dressed up, and we’d eat fancy food, and dance the night away.
Mrs. Powell held out a garment bag and a shoe box. “Go change in the back. Grace is next.”
I grabbed the items and walked into a dressing room.
There was a mirror along the wall that gave you three different angles and a pedestal to stand in front of it.
I hung the bag and unzipped it, gasping when the lace peeked out.
When I pulled out the dress, a small piece of white paper fell onto the floor.
I couldn’t let my friend wear
anything but the best.
Enjoy,
Liam
I bit my lip as I looked back at the dress. It was stunning. Intricate black lace covered a nude slip with a sweetheart neckline. Liam Knight had outdone himself, and I couldn’t wait to put it on.
I stripped down to my G-string and pulled the fabric over my exposed skin.
“That is not what I ordered.” Mrs. Powell’s face scrunched in disgust and she zipped me up with a little more force than necessary.
“We don’t have time to get another, but I’m going to have words with that designer.
Hurry and get your shoes on so you can go.
Elijah and his father are there already. ”
Her harsh tone yanked me back to reality. Gone was any sort of excitement that had grown for the gala. Once again, I considered pretending I’d come down with the stomach bug or something extremely contagious.
Instead, I pulled the shoes from the box and slid my feet into them. I stood before the mirror, astonished.
While the dress was on the hanger, it had been beautiful, but now it outlined my curves and clung to me like a second skin.
The front was classy and demure, while the other side was completely backless save for a small length of lace across my shoulder blades that kept my long, lacy, off-the-shoulder sleeves from sliding down my arms.
I ran my fingers over the material. This was a Cinderella moment. The dress and makeup gave me a renewed sense of confidence. I was empowered, elegant, and ready to take on this gala.
Luckily, I’d arrive early enough to find a spot in the club’s parking lot. Again, finding a parking space in downtown Charleston was about as rare as a four-leaf clover.
I climbed carefully from the car, then gripped the hem of my dress in my hand as I walked to the entrance. The clicking of my heels echoed around me, each one counting down the seconds until I stepped into the stuffy party.
Filled with an unshakeable confidence, I straightened my spine and held my head high with a wide smile on my crimson lips. I couldn’t wait to see Elijah.
Walking through the heavy wooden doors to the venue, I was overtaken by the simple yet classy decorations.
Luxurious beaded curtains hung on the walls.
Each table adorned with a champagne cloth and black linens.
The centerpieces were crystal vases filled with champagne-colored beads and an assortment of black dyed flowers.
Everything around me spoke to the height of sophistication, reminding me of an ode to the roaring twenties.
I followed the sound of voices and found Elijah easily.
As his mother had said, he was with his father.
I slowed my steps as I took him in. Dressed in a crisp black tuxedo with a matching bow tie that stood out against his white dress shirt, he had one hand in his pocket and a drink in the other.
When he laughed, he looked like the kid I had met in college.
Blue eyes sparkling while joy radiated from his smile, his dark brown hair styled and pristine.
Not that college-Elijah ever looked this put together, but this Elijah was happy and relaxed.
It had been a while since I’d seen him that way, and I missed it.